None of us is perfect, but we can try to be just that little bit greener if we think about it. For example if we all turn off non-essential ‘stand-by’ equipment, we could save the output of one power station. Insulating your home (currently free for those aged over 65) or driving a little more carefully can save you money and lessen climate change in the environment.

Here are some tips from the Energy Saving Trust:1 Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat should be set at 60°C/140°F2 Always turn off the lights when you leave a room3 Don’t leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave laptops and mobile phones on charge unnecessarily4 If possible, fill up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher: one full load uses less energy than two half loads5 Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you’re using an electric kettle)6 A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they’re fully turned off7 Use energy saving lightbulbs. They last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and using one can save you around £40 over the lifetime of the bulb. This saving could be around £65 over its lifetime if you’re replacing a high wattage incandescent bulb, or one used for more than a few hours a day.